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How much does luxating patella surgery for dogs cost?

Kneecap (patellar luxation) surgery is priced per knee, and published sources put the same operation in noticeably different bands: PetMD gives $1,000–$3,000 per affected knee, while Hepper’s 2026 price guide gives $1,000–$5,000 per knee. A named surgical practice, Simon Vet Surgical, publishes $1,500–$3,500 per knee. We print each source’s range as its own — where a case lands depends on grade, dog size, and who operates.

Luxating patella surgery by source (per knee)	Published range
PetMD (vet-written)	$1,000–$3,000
Hepper — 2026 price guide	$1,000–$5,000
Simon Vet Surgical (published practice guide)	$1,500–$3,500
Both knees, same practice (Simon Vet Surgical, bundled)	$3,000–$7,000

What drives the price

Severity is the first driver: Hepper lists the severity of the luxation, whether one or both knees are affected, and additional problems such as arthritis or ligament damage. PetMD adds that the cost runs higher for large-breed dogs and for severe dislocation. The bundled both-knees figure from Simon Vet Surgical includes diagnostics, medications and follow-up visits, which is a reminder to ask whether a quote is surgery-only or all-in. A board-certified surgeon at a specialty hospital prices above a general practice, as with the other orthopedic operations on this site — compare the cruciate surgery guide.

Not every luxating patella is operated on: PetMD notes that dogs with mild kneecap dislocation, especially small breeds, often keep a good quality of life with medical management alone. Whether a given grade needs surgery is a veterinary decision. This page prices the surgery; it does not recommend it.

Sources: PetMD — Luxating Patella in Dogs (cost FAQ) · Hepper — How Much Does Patella Luxation Surgery Cost for Dogs? 2026 Price Guide · Simon Vet Surgical — Dog Luxating Patella Surgery Cost Guide. Researched October 2026 — prices change; confirm with your clinic.